The US wants the EU to continue purchasing American weapons and plans to simplify export processes.

The US has expressed its desire for Europe to continue acquiring American military equipment following the EU’s restrictions on American manufacturers from participating in arms tenders.

Specifically, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed to the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia that the US seeks to remain involved in EU defense procurement. He remarked that the US views any exclusion of American companies from European tenders unfavorably. Rubio intends to address these matters during his visit to Brussels this week, where he will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

The Trump administration plans to ease the regulations surrounding the export of American weapons. At present, the US Congress must approve the supply of weapons valued at $14M or more to another nation, as well as the provision of military products or services worth $50M or more. Donald Trump’s directive suggests raising these thresholds to $23M and $83M, respectively. During his first term, Trump frequently expressed frustration over Congress’s delays in approving arms sales abroad.